The Royal Opera House in London has invited ballet and opera lovers alike to participate in Behind the Scenes Tours, running from Sept. 1 through Nov. 17. These small group tours offer participants a backstage pass into the magical world behind the velvet curtain.
Boasting a proud legacy of exquisite and captivating performances, the Royal Opera House provides audience members the unique opportunity to enjoy both the past histories and modern traditions of English society before they even get to their seats.
Our tour guides explained how each element of the theater, from the red velvet seats to the gold leaf trim on the stage, is the result of hundreds of years of thoughtful planning, meticulous decision making and generous financial donations.
We then made our way to the backstage area, which by sheer size was equally as impressive. Consisting of multiple floors containing everything a performer could ever need during their strenuous days that can consist of up to six hours of physical training. Equipped with mental health services, dozens of studios, a pointe shoe specialist and personal physical therapists, the backstage of the Royal Opera House is a dancer’s heaven.
During the tour, we caught a quick look at the ballet company in rehearsal. Watching them workshop each step with such care puts into perspective the amount of individual dedication and work that goes into perfecting the moves, before they even step foot on the stage. It’s no surprise that after the many months of long days and nights spent preparing for a show, the cast and crew become more like a family. Expecting to be met with scenes from “Black Swan,” I was surprised to see the studios lit up with smiles and laughter. Seeing the sense of camaraderie that runs between the dancers adds an additional layer of appreciation for the emotional aspect that goes into the creation of a stage production.
As a ballet and opera fan myself, seeing the inner workings of one of the most famous Opera houses in the world firsthand was a dream come true, offering a rare glimpse into the artistry behind every performance. For anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of the theater, or even the history and culture of England, this tour offers meaningful insight into both.